What is “endometriosis” and how does it affect the daily life of women? What are its symptoms? How can women live with it or prevent it?

‏Pain expresses itself in the human body in different ways, and the intensity of pain varies from one person to another. According to what is known as the “pain threshold”, which in turn depends on the frequency of exposure to pain, in addition to the difference in age and the frequency of the painful stimulus. Whether we are men or women, we suffer pain on different levels. Some women, for example, have a “pain threshold” that makes them more resilient and adaptable to menstrual pain.

‏The woman may suffer severe pain that forces her to take time off from work. However, it should not be surprising if we learned that she suffers from symptoms of what is called “endometriosis”. 

‏Endometriosis and its symptoms

‏During menstruation, when the fetus is not implanted into the uterus, the lining detaches and is excreted from the body via menstrual blood. But in the disease called “endometriosis” there is a tissue similar to the tissue that lines the uterus that grows outside the uterus usually in the abdominal cavity. This tissue out of the uterus responds to the changes in the menstrual cycle just like the real endometrium.¹

‏Endometriosis has symptoms. Most particularly:
‏Pain in the lower back and abdomen, which is extreme during menstruation in a way that prevents women from practicing normal daily activities. In addition to feeling nauseous and vomiting, and bleeding between periods. Women with endometriosis suffer from constipation or diarrhea, and difficulty getting pregnant.

‏What are the causes of endometriosis?

‏There are several possible scientifically unconfirmed theories and hypotheses about the causes of endometriosis. Among the most important of these theories are:

1. ‏Imbalance in the immune system.
2. An imbalance in the secretion of some hormones.
3. ‏Menstrual blood comes out in the opposite direction to its normal course through the fallopian tubes and its descent into the pelvic cavity, especially on the ovaries and behind the uterus.
4. Post-operative cleaning and scraping of the uterine cavity (Curettage ).²

‏There are several factors that increase the risk of developing endometriosis, such as:

• ‏Never having children.
• ‏When the period starts at a young age.
• ‏Delayed menopause.
• ‏Short menstrual cycles; For example, less than 27 days.
• ‏Heavy menstrual bleeding and lengthy periods that last more than 7 days.
• ‏Increased levels of the hormone “estrogen” in the body, or exposure to the hormone “estrogen” for a longer period.
• ‏A low body mass index (BMI).
• ‏One or more female relatives (mother, aunt, or sister) suffer from endometriosis.
• ‏Any pathological conditions impede blood exit from the body during periods.
• ‏Reproductive system disorders.³

‏Endometriosis is a long-lasting disease. All associated treatments aim to control its symptoms and limit its side effects. As women, it is not easy for us to live with persistent pain, which intensifies on certain days a month and prevents us from carrying out our daily activities. However, women who suffer from this disease must follow some treatment methods.

Treatment of endometriosis

‏The disease may be treated with medication or surgery, depending on symptoms, lesions, desired outcome, and patient choice. Steroidal contraceptive pills, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers are also commonly used treatments for this disease. They should all be accurately prescribed and carefully monitored to avoid potential side effects that could cause problems. ‏Medical treatments for endometriosis focus either on lowering estrogen or raising progesterone. This is in order to alter the hormonal environments that promote endometriosis.⁴

‏As for women who are not able to seek medical treatment, and have been diagnosed with “simple endometriosis”. They can resort to some simple home remedies and help relieve pelvic pain and feel relieved through the following:

• ‏Using heat treatments. Heat pads, hot water bottles, and warm baths are a great ways to relax pelvic muscles and reduce pain.
• ‏Massage the abdomen and pelvis with castor oil, because of its usefulness in relieving cramps and pain.
• ‏Resorting to anti-inflammatory herbs and foods; Turmeric and warm ginger tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
• ‏Likewise, foods with diuretic properties, bone soup, and healthy seeds may help comfort abdominal pain.
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can also be taken for rapid improvement.

‏If an ounce of prevention is better than an ounce of treatment for women who are susceptible to endometriosis, then prevention is linked to the need for early diagnosis of the disease. Also, it is associated with increasing awareness about it, and paying attention to women’s health to prevent its abnormal development.

‏In conclusion, it should be noted that the various institutions and companies should pay attention to work; Taking care of the general health of its female workers. By providing a safe and comfortable environment at work, and taking into account their emergency health conditions, in accordance with regulations and legislation related to women’s rights at work.

Also read:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (PO)
• Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

References:

[1] Webteb

[2] Mayo Clinic

[3] WHO

[4] Wikipedia